Miriam

The name “Miriam” or “Abataza” means “bitterness,” “rebellion” and “star of the sea.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )

In some Semitic languages, the transliteration for “Miriam” is identical to “Mary,” testifying to the fact that these names are identical (Arabic and the many translations that are reliant on Arabic: مَرْيَم, Hebrew: מִרְיָם, Ge’ez / Amharic and related languages: ማርያም).

It is translated in Spanish Sign Language with the sign for “tambourine” referring to Exodus 15:20. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


“Miriam” in Spanish Sign Language, source: Sociedad Bíblica de España

For more information on translations of proper names with sign language see Sign Language Bible Translations Have Something to Say to Hearing Christians .

The following is part of an artwork by Indian-German artist Lucy D’Souza-Krone (1949-2021):

“D’Souza’s painting of Miriam dancing at the river is one of a series of ‘Biblical Women’ reproduced as the 1990 Lenten veil of Misereor, Germany. Miriam, the prophetess and sister of Moses and Aaron, celebrated the liberation of her people from their Egyptian oppressors. Her dance was supported by other women who joined with her in an act of celebration. Writing of the story the artist adds that ‘water is a predominant element in the scene reminding us also of the physical hardship facing women in India as they often have to walk many miles for a pot of water.'” (Source for this and the image: The Bible Through Asian Eyes by Masao Takenaka and Ron O’Grady 1991)

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Miriam .

Amos

The Hebrew and Latin that is transliterated as “Amos” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with the sign for “renovate / renew,” particularly referring to Amos 9:11. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


“Amos” in Spanish Sign Language, source: Sociedad Bíblica de España

In Swiss-German Sign Language it is translated with the sign that depicts Amos’ move from the Southern Kingdom of Judah into the Northern Kingdom of Israel to prophesy against it.


“Amos” in Swiss-German Sign Language, source: DSGS-Lexikon biblischer Begriffe , © CGG Schweiz

In Hungarian Sign Language it is translated with a sign reflecting the meaning and significance of the Hebrew name: burden-bearer or one who carries a load. While the biblical text does not explicitly define the name, its meaning indirectly alludes to the prophet’s ministry, as he proclaimed heavy judgments (burdens) against Israel. “I will crush you as a cart crushes, when loaded with grain.” (Amos 2:13). (Source: Jenjelvi Biblia and HSL Bible Translation Group)


“Amos” in Hungarian Sign Language — note that only the first part refers to “Amos,” the second and third parts refer to “prophet” and “book” (source )

For more information on translations of proper names with sign language see Sign Language Bible Translations Have Something to Say to Hearing Christians .

Following is a Russian Orthodox icon of Amos from the 18th century (found in the Transfiguration Church, Kizhi Monastery, Karelia, Russia). The words on the scroll are extracted from Isaiah 13:6: “For the day of the Lord is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty!”

 
Orthodox Icons are not drawings or creations of imagination. They are in fact writings of things not of this world. Icons can represent our Lord Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the Saints. They can also represent the Holy Trinity, Angels, the Heavenly hosts, and even events. Orthodox icons, unlike Western pictures, change the perspective and form of the image so that it is not naturalistic. This is done so that we can look beyond appearances of the world, and instead look to the spiritual truth of the holy person or event. (Source )

More information on Amos (prophet) .

Manasseh

The name that is transliterated as “Manasseh” in English means “one who causes to forget,” “forgetting,” “forgetfulness,” “causing forgetfulness.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )

It is translated in Spanish Sign Language with the sign for “bull” referring to Deuteronomy 33:17. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


“Manasseh” in Spanish Sign Language, source: Sociedad Bíblica de España

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Manasseh .

For more information on translations of proper names with sign language see Sign Language Bible Translations Have Something to Say to Hearing Christians .

Mary (of Bethany)

The Greek that is transliterated as “Mary (of Bethany)” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with a signs for “woman” and “listen,” referring to Luke 10:39. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


“Mary” in Spanish Sign Language, source: Sociedad Bíblica de España

For more information on translations of proper names with sign language see Sign Language Bible Translations Have Something to Say to Hearing Christians .

See also Martha and more on Bible Odyssey: Mary and Martha .

Nicodemus

The Greek that is transliterated as “Nicodemus” in English is translated in Mandarin Chinese as Nígēdémù (尼哥德慕) in the Protestant tradition. This is an unremarkable transliteration if it were not for the transliteration that was used until a revision of the Union Version in 1988: Nígēdǐmǔ (尼哥底母) which could also be read as “mother of Ni’s older brother,” and which had become one of the most often-cited examples in calls for a revision. (Source: Zetzsche)

In Spanish Sign Language it is translated with with the signs for “thinking” and “bearded one” (the latter is used for “Pharisees”). (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


“Nicodemus” in Spanish Sign Language, source: Sociedad Bíblica de España

For more information on translations of proper names with sign language see Sign Language Bible Translations Have Something to Say to Hearing Christians .

See also Pharisee and more information on Nicodemus .

Obadiah

The Hebrew and Latin that is transliterated as “Obadiah” in English means “a servant of the LORD,” “a worshiper of YHWH.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )

In Spanish Sign Language it is translated with the sign for “mountain,” referring to Obadiah 1:16. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


“Obadiah” in Spanish Sign Language, source: Sociedad Bíblica de España

In Hungarian Sign Language it is translated with a sign referring to the struggle between soul and body. The figure of Obadiah and his prophetic ministry exemplify faithfulness, courageous stance, and steadfastness. In the book of Obadiah, the struggle between soul and body appears as the contrast between pride and humility: “The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks and make your home on the heights, you who say to yourself, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?'” (Obadiah 1:3). The struggle between soul and body is also manifested in how we relate to those who suffer. The body would choose selfishness, while the soul chooses compassion: “You should not gloat over your brother in the day of his misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction” (Obadiah 1:12). (Source: Jenjelvi Biblia and HSL Bible Translation Group)


“Obadiah” in Hungarian Sign Language — note that only the first part refers to “Obadiah,” the second and third parts refer to “prophet” and “book” (source )

In Swiss-German Sign Language it is translated with a sign that depicts the book of Obadiah as the shortest book in the Old Testament.


“Obadiah” in Swiss-German Sign Language, source: DSGS-Lexikon biblischer Begriffe , © CGG Schweiz

For more information on translations of proper names with sign language see Sign Language Bible Translations Have Something to Say to Hearing Christians .

More information on Obadiah .